• 01 Jul, 2024
• Joshua Miller
• No comment

AI-Powered Scams and What You Can Do About Them

AI-powered scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leveraging advanced technology to deceive and exploit vulnerable individuals. From drafting emails and creating concept art to running scams by impersonating friends or relatives in distress, AI’s versatility has taken scams to a new level. Here’s what you need to watch out for and how you can protect yourself.

Voice Cloning of Family and Friends

One of the most alarming AI-powered scams involves voice cloning. With just a few seconds of audio, scammers can create a convincing fake version of a loved one’s voice. They use this technology to send messages or voicemails, claiming to be in distress and asking for money. For example, a parent might receive a voicemail from an unknown number that sounds like their child, saying their belongings were stolen and asking for money to be sent to a specific address.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Treat any message from an unknown number or email address with suspicion.
• Contact the person directly using a known and trusted method to verify their situation.
• If you receive a suspicious message, leave it unread while you confirm its legitimacy.

Personalized Phishing and Spam via Email and Messaging

AI is making phishing and spam emails more convincing by using personal data from data breaches. Scammers can customize mass emails with your name, recent activities, and other personal details to make them appear legitimate. For instance, instead of a generic “Click here to see your invoice!” email, you might receive a tailored message that references your recent shopping habits and location.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited emails and messages.
• Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments unless you are sure of the sender’s authenticity.
• If in doubt, forward the suspicious message to a knowledgeable person for a second opinion.

‘Fake You’ Identity and Verification Fraud

With the abundance of personal data available online, scammers can create AI personas that mimic your identity, including your voice and personal details. They use this information to bypass identity verification processes, posing as you to access your accounts or create new ones.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Implement multi-factor authentication for all your accounts.
• Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and respond to security alerts promptly.
• Use strong, unique passwords and update them regularly.

AI-Generated Deepfakes and Blackmail

AI-generated deepfakes pose a significant threat, especially when used for blackmail. Scammers can create realistic fake images or videos of you or your loved ones and use them to extort money. These deepfakes can be convincing enough to scare victims into paying to keep the images or videos from being made public.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be aware that fake intimate images can be created and used against you.
• Report any such incidents to the police and seek legal advice.
• Utilize legal and private means to compel image hosts to take down fake images.

In this age of advanced AI, staying informed and vigilant is crucial to protecting yourself from scams. By understanding these AI-powered threats and taking proactive measures, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to these sophisticated schemes.

Also, read >> Apple Intelligence: Release Date, Features, Privacy, and More